Rare case of p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer metastasis to the orbit

Abstract

We describe a case of a man in his 70s who was diagnosed with a p16-positive base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and presented with deteriorating vision and exophthalmos. Imaging revealed medial rectus hypertrophy, and surgery confirmed metastatic p16-positive SCC. Literature reveals that orbital metastasis from any malignancy is a rare occurrence, and even that of p16-positive oropharyngeal SCC has only been reported once in English literature previously. The case highlights the importance of maintaining a wide differential and not being narrowed into a diagnosis or treatment, and given the increasing incidence of human papillomavirus-related cancers, it is important to preserve a high index of suspicion.

Keywords: Ear, nose and throat/otolaryngology; Head and neck cancer.